National Parks good for business

18 February 2002

11 leading businesses have launched long-term commitments to National Parks ⁽¹⁾ .

The businesses are all members of the Corporate Forum for National Parks ⁽²⁾ and support National Parks as being good for their business.

This is in stark contrast to the short-sighted press statement put out by Sussex Enterprise (5 February) which reacted negatively to the proposed South Downs National Park.

Nick Greer from Vodafone says: "Vodafone recognises that the National Parks are special and worth protecting.  We welcome the dialogue with National Park interests and have initiated a special approach to developing our network in National Parks, which takes account of their special qualities. We welcome there being one authority as the central point of contact for businesses in National Parks as this is simpler, less bureaucratic and easier for communication".

Ruth Chambers, Deputy Director of the Council for National Parks ⁽³⁾ , says: "these commitments send a strong message that businesses support National Parks and that National Parks are good for business. Businesses located in National Parks benefit from their high quality environment.  We hope that businesses in the new National Park areas – the South Downs and the New Forest – will follow the lead of the Corporate Forum in working with National Park interests to ensure that the proposed National Parks brings benefits to local businesses and to explore how local businesses can support and benefit the National Parks".

Notes to editors
 
1  The commitments were launched at a Parliamentary Reception in the House of Lords on 12 February. Copies are available on request from CNP and are available on the CNP website. 
2  The Corporate Forum for National Parks is made up of a group of major companies which recognise the unique value of National Parks for conservation and recreation, and which agree to uphold these values in the development and application of their environmental policies. Its members are listed overleaf.
3  The Council for National Parks is the national charity that works to protect and enhance the National Parks of England and Wales, and areas that merit National Park status, and promote understanding and quiet enjoyment of them for the benefit of all.

For press queries please contact:
Ruth Chambers, Head of Policy on
020 7924 4077 ext. 222